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We Hear: Rotary-Powered Mazda Sports Car Due in 2017

Mazda will build a successor to the famed RX-7 and RX-8 complete with a rotary engine, according to Auto Express. The new rotary-powered sports car, expected in 2017, will be based on an extended and reinforced variant of the upcoming fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata’s chassis, the report says.

While Mazda is the only manufacturer to actively pursue Felix Wankel’s rotary design, the automaker has its work cut out to find solutions to the engine’s inherent flaws of high fuel and oil consumption and low torque output. The new engine is said to be being developed with the automaker’s Skyactiv approach to efficiency used on its piston engines such as natural aspiration, weight reduction, and high compression ratios.The report suggests the new naturally aspirated rotary engine could produce as much as 300 hp – a substantial jump over the RX-8’s 238 hp. While Auto Express suggested the a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic would back the new rotary engine, we expect the new sports coupe to use the Miata’s six-speed auto. For optimal performance, it was also suggested the new sports car would be a lighter two-seater like the RX-7 rather than a heavier four-door RX-8 type vehicle.

Seriously, Motortrend? You DO know that Auto Express has been releasing fictional auto news for more than 10 years, right? I mean literally just making it up - likely for web hits. This one will be no different, and for the next 6 months, a search for "Mazda news" will turn up this ridiculous story just like searching for "Mazdaspeed news" finds their equally ridiculous story about a 200hp naturally aspirated Si clone. Please stop encouraging their bad behavior.

Mazda....I really like the idea of a new RX-7. Is there any chance it'll be cheaper then say a Mazda MX-5 so working class enthusiasts may enjoy it? I am hoping for a $15,000 to $25,000 2 seater for 6 footer or more with ample trunk capacity, targa top, decent acceleration, and good fuel economy..

Entirely unlikely. Mazda just isn't in the position to do this and there have been plenty more rumors suggesting the rotary was dead, not even considering that this "rumor" is predicting a five speed auto in 2017

@RPIbaldum I think you've forgotten to take into account the fact that Mazda has been testing the 16X rotary since '08. Why waste all of the R&D money and accumulated time if they weren't planning on putting it to market some day?

@Alex daOriginal That would be very useful. Considering that the Rotary engine makes a flat torque curve similar to an electric motor, it could be implemented. And i'm sure it would be worlds better than the CR-Z.